In what is being called one of the most shocking fraud cases in the area, 46-year-old Edward Cicciu, the former owner of Bristol County Auto Exchange in Swansea, has been hit with 125 criminal charges. These charges include larceny, forgery, and failing to deliver vehicle titles to his customers. Prosecutors claim that Cicciu scammed at least 47 people, leaving them out nearly $325,750.
The Heart of the Allegations
Cicciu is accused of running a used car dealership that was more interested in making quick sales than ensuring customers received what they paid for. According to authorities, Cicciu would acquire vehicles through loans, planning to sell them at his Swansea dealership. However, instead of fulfilling his financial obligations, Cicciu allegedly sold the cars to unsuspecting customers.
Many of these customers, believing they were buying reliable vehicles, received only temporary New Jersey plates and were never given proper titles or registrations. In some cases, customers found out their cars were riddled with mechanical issues that weren’t disclosed at the time of sale. When these buyers attempted to get refunds, they were allegedly given bad checks.
The Toll on Victims
The scam affected people from all walks of life—some as young as 18, others in their 80s. The Commonwealth estimates that the victims lost a total of $325,750. Imagine spending your hard-earned money, only to find out the car you bought isn’t roadworthy, and the dealership that sold it to you disappears without a trace.
What makes this case even more troubling is that Cicciu was on probation for similar offenses when these alleged crimes took place. This paints a picture of a repeated pattern of fraudulent behavior, with no regard for the people he was supposed to serve.
What’s Next for Cicciu?
Cicciu was arraigned in Fall River Superior Court, facing 125 charges in total. These include counts of larceny, forgery, and failing to deliver title upon the sale of vehicles. The court has set his bail at $100,000, a reflection of the serious nature of the charges.
He’s now awaiting further legal proceedings as the case moves forward. The charges against him include:
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43 counts of larceny under $1,200 by false pretenses
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2 counts of larceny by check over $1,200
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37 counts of forging or misusing RMV documents
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38 counts of failing to deliver vehicle titles
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5 counts of larceny of a motor vehicle
The Fallout for the Community
For the people who bought cars from Cicciu, this case has been devastating. Some of them spent their savings on vehicles, only to end up with faulty cars or no cars at all. For many, the dream of owning a reliable car has been shattered, and they’re left feeling betrayed and financially drained.
The community, too, has been shaken by the news. Swansea residents are calling for greater accountability in the used car industry and for stronger oversight of dealerships to prevent something like this from happening again.
The Investigation Continues
Authorities aren’t done yet. The investigation is ongoing, and they’re encouraging anyone who might have been affected by Cicciu’s dealership to come forward. If you were one of the many customers who was misled, now is the time to speak up and help bring the full extent of the fraud to light.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of consumer protection and how easily trust can be broken. While Cicciu is now facing serious legal consequences, for the victims, the damage has already been done. Many of them are still trying to recover, not just financially, but emotionally as well.
As the legal process moves forward, everyone’s eyes will be on Fall River Superior Court, hoping for justice for those who were wronged.
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